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Six-speed manual confirmed for North American BMW M5

January 10, 2012

The 2013 BMW M5 will be offered with a six-speed manual transmission.

BMW, the new luxury sales leader of the United States, was relatively quiet during this year's Detroit auto show. But besides introducing the revamped 3-series and announcing pricing for the ActiveHybrid 5, the company confirmed something we've been hoping for--a six-speed manual transmission for the new M5.

We've only tested the seven-speed dual-clutch model, but when the 552-hp beast arrives in late summer, it will have the no-cost option of a six-speed. Though the seven-speed dual-clutch unit is miles ahead of the old sequential manual, enthusiasts will be even happier to row their own gears.

The 2013 BMW M5 will have a turbocharged engine for the first time in its history, displacing 4.4 liters, developing 552 hp and 501 lb-ft of torque. This puts the M5 squarely in competition with the 556-hp Cadillac CTS-V and the 518-hp Mercedes-Benz E63.

Though the M5 gains some weight, 0 to 62 mph takes just 4.4 seconds, on the way to a top speed of 155 mph, or 190 mph with the optional driver's package.

Changes to the exterior of the M5 include a redesigned front bumper with large ducts. The front wings are wider, as are the wheel arches. The door sills are stretched, and the spoiler and rear bumper were redesigned for more downforce at speed.

Pricing hasn't been released yet, but the last supersedan from BMW came in at $85,700, so we'd expect at least a slight increase from there.